California, once hailed as a land of opportunity and innovation, is now facing mounting criticism for its governance under Governor Gavin Newsom.

Two outspoken celebrities, Joe Rogan and Mel Gibson, have emerged as fierce critics, accusing Newsom of mismanaging the state and exacerbating its crises.

From skyrocketing homelessness and rising crime to economic decline and regulatory overreach, Rogan and Gibson argue that Newsom’s leadership has pushed California into chaos.

This article explores their pointed critiques, the policies they blame for the state’s troubles, and the broader implications for California’s future.

 

Joe Rogan has been vocal about his frustration with California’s overregulation and high taxes, which he believes are driving businesses and residents away.

In his view, the state government is excessively involved in every aspect of life, creating bureaucratic hurdles that stifle entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Rogan himself left California in 2020, citing the state’s “cancel culture” and restrictive policies as major reasons for his departure.

 

Rogan argues that Newsom inherited a thriving economy but has managed to wreck it through poor leadership and misguided policies.

He points to Assembly Bill 5, which reclassified freelancers and gig workers as employees, leading to skyrocketing labor costs and legal challenges for businesses.

Additionally, the $20 per hour minimum wage, while well-intentioned, forced many restaurants and small businesses to cut hours or close entirely.

 

The mismanagement of unemployment funds also contributed to financial strain on employers, as fraud and administrative errors led to unexpected payroll tax hikes.

According to Rogan, instead of supporting business owners, Newsom’s administration erected an “obstacle course” of red tape and virtue signaling, making California “no longer open for business.

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Despite being one of the wealthiest states in the nation, California continues to struggle with a severe homelessness crisis.

Entire city blocks in Los Angeles and San Francisco have turned into sprawling tent cities, a visible symbol of the state’s failure to address the issue effectively.

Rogan describes the situation as a “disaster,” highlighting the disconnect between government promises and reality.

 

Rising crime rates in major urban centers further compound Californians’ frustrations.

Businesses and residents alike are fleeing to more business-friendly states such as Texas and Florida, seeking safer communities and lower costs of living.

Rogan criticizes Newsom’s leadership as “style over substance,” accusing him of focusing on political optics rather than delivering real solutions.

 

Rogan’s criticism of Newsom intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He condemned the governor’s prolonged lockdowns and strict mandates, which he believes devastated small businesses and worsened mental health issues without effectively controlling the virus’s spread.

Schools were closed for months, disproportionately impacting underprivileged children, while mask mandates became politicized symbols rather than science-based measures.

 

For Rogan, the pandemic exposed the flaws in progressive governance—excessive control, lack of common sense, and intolerance for dissent.

He openly recommended voting Republican in response to Newsom’s policies, marking a significant break from his usual political neutrality.

To Rogan, Newsom’s pandemic response was not just a failure of leadership but a betrayal of the people he was supposed to serve.

Newsom’s handling of California’s frequent wildfires also drew sharp rebuke from Rogan.

During a recent episode of Rogan’s podcast, the governor was mocked for his seemingly detached demeanor while discussing land use and development plans amid devastation.

Rogan contrasted Newsom’s approach with that of former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who faced crises head-on with accountability and action.

 

According to Rogan, Newsom’s focus on photo ops and political spin during emergencies undermines public trust and hampers effective crisis management.

Californians need leaders who prioritize tangible results over optics, especially when lives and livelihoods are at stake.

 

Joining Rogan’s chorus of criticism, actor Mel Gibson has also voiced his dissatisfaction with Newsom’s leadership.

Gibson highlighted the governor’s inadequate response to the Los Angeles wildfires and subsequent civil unrest, describing Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as incompetent and unable to manage emergencies responsibly.

 

Gibson specifically condemned Newsom’s handling of the ICE protests, which began peacefully but devolved into looting, vandalism, and widespread destruction.

He accused the governor of siding with protesters rather than protecting communities, calling it “willful negligence.

” For Gibson, Newsom’s failure to deploy adequate security measures endangered lives and property.

 

Gibson urged voters to remove Newsom from office, emphasizing the need for a governor who puts the people first rather than engaging in political theater.

His frustration reflects a broader public sentiment that California’s leadership prioritizes ideology and image over practical governance.

 

Both Rogan and Gibson questioned Newsom’s suitability for higher office, especially as speculation grows about his potential presidential ambitions.

Rogan pointed out that if Newsom cannot effectively govern California—a state with vast resources and talent—he is unlikely to succeed on the national stage.

 

Critics argue that Newsom’s policies often look good on paper but fail in execution, leaving everyday Californians to bear the consequences.

The state’s economic instability, homelessness crisis, and rising crime rates are seen as evidence of failed leadership rather than progress.

John Voit, another outspoken critic, called Newsom a “disgrace” and a “lying dog” for prioritizing political optics over public safety.

He challenged Newsom’s ability to protect police officers and maintain order during protests, further eroding confidence in the governor’s capacity to lead.

 

California’s struggles under Newsom’s administration highlight the challenges of governing a diverse and complex state amid polarized political climates.

The criticisms from Rogan, Gibson, and others reflect a growing frustration with policies perceived as out of touch with the needs of ordinary residents and businesses.

 

Homelessness, crime, economic decline, and regulatory burdens have combined to create a sense of crisis that threatens the state’s reputation as a land of opportunity.

As businesses relocate and residents leave, questions arise about California’s future as a competitive economic powerhouse.

 

Joe Rogan and Mel Gibson’s outspoken critiques of Gavin Newsom underscore a broader dissatisfaction with California’s current leadership.

From economic policies that stifle growth to ineffective responses to crises, Newsom’s tenure has been marked by controversy and division.

Rogan’s call to vote Republican and Gibson’s demand for accountability reflect a desire for change among Californians frustrated by the state’s direction.

 

As California grapples with homelessness, crime, and economic challenges, the debate over Newsom’s leadership serves as a microcosm of larger national conversations about governance, accountability, and the role of government.

Whether Newsom can regain public trust and steer California back on course remains to be seen, but for now, his critics are loud and clear: the Golden State deserves better.

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